In the midst of another campaign season, marked by primaries, polls, and political fervor, there’s one individual who’s evading the typical spotlight: JuJu, also known as Judea Skies Watkins, the freshman guard from USC. She’s not chasing votes; she’s already been anointed as the next basketball sensation.

Watkins’ meteoric rise in the sports world stems from her remarkable performances on the court. This season, she’s earned accolades like ESPN National Freshman of the Year and was the runner-up for National Player of the Year. With numerous lucrative NIL deals under her belt, she’s become a sensation. Her role in USC’s No. 3 ranking, the highest in 38 years, speaks volumes. In games, she’s been a scoring juggernaut, setting records previously held by legends Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie.

“JuJu has the opportunity to do something we’ve needed in women’s basketball for a long time. And that’s to transcend the sport and really be at the intersection of women’s basketball and culture,” La China Robinson, WNBA analyst and host for ESPN, said.

“At Lakers games, the first thing you think about is who are all the stars that are courtside wanting to watch LeBron, or Kobe when he played, or even back to Magic [Johnson], that’s been a staple in LA because of everything that city means to music, art, entertainment, etc.,” Robinson continued. “[JuJu] could create this unique space for women’s basketball to be appreciated beyond just a sports fan. She could bleed the game into popular culture and just a greater space than it has in the past.”

But the weight of expectations on an 18-year-old from Watts, Los Angeles, can’t be ignored. Yet, like her friend Bronny James, she’s driven by her own standards. Still, the excitement surrounding her talent isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the broader societal impact she could have. She’s not a savior, but her potential to reshape the game is undeniable.

In a memorable moment during her freshman campaign, Watkins’ 42-point performance against Colorado embodied her impact. Even USC legend Cheryl Miller was moved to applause. Such respect across generations underscores the significance of her role in revitalizing USC basketball.

“For everything you’ve done for the former players, it’s been a very long time since we’ve been embraced and been a part of the younger generations coming up, so thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Miller said in a powerful post-game locker room  speech following USC’s win over crosstown rival UCLA. “You guys changed the culture … What you guys have shown in this country is y’all some bad MFs.”

“Seeing [all the USC legends come out] and be celebrated gives us the opportunity to relish the rich history of what USC accomplished and what the dominance meant to women’s basketball, not just college,” Robinson said. “We get to still celebrate those players with the resurgence of USC. To me, that’s really important to the history and growth of the sport.”

Watkins isn’t just standing on the shoulders of past players; she’s a bridge to the future. Hailing from Watts, just miles from USC, her roots run deep in the community. And in a city known for star power, she shines as bright as any celebrity, drawing the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Hart to her games.

Beyond her celebrity status, it’s her game that truly captivates. Lisa Leslie herself praised Watkins’ LA roots, noting the grit instilled in those hailing from the city. Watkins’ prowess on the court transcends boundaries, much like other basketball icons before her.

Watching Watkins play feels like witnessing a generational talent emerge. Her unassuming demeanor and natural talent make her a standout, both on and off the court. And despite the pressures of public scrutiny, she remains true to herself, navigating the challenges of fame with grace.

As Watkins continues to carve her path, her impact on women’s basketball and society at large remains uncertain. But one thing’s for sure: it’s her journey to navigate, and hers alone. And even in moments of adversity, like in the Pac-12 title game, where she faced relentless defense, her resilience shines through, a testament to her character and potential for greatness.